Do Something Good!

 

It’s Valentine’s Day weekend, a time of love and adoration. But why only one day? The Bible tell use to “love one another” and love your neighbor as yourself”. Surely that means daily, every day, the whole year through? Doing something good for someone else for no reciprocal reason is the ultimate expression of selflessness and love. It’s what we are called to.

Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”.

The Strong's Concordence says this about that word works: 2041 érgon (from ergō, "to work, accomplish") – a work or worker who accomplishes something. érgon("work") is a deed (action) that carries out (completes) an inner desire (intension, purpose). Think about that. God already has a list of good things he wants us to do. All we have to do is join him. So how do I find out which “good works” are on my list? Well, some are obvious. Obey His commands. Trust in God. I’ve already mentioned, “Love one another” and “Love your neighbor as yourself”.  That should keep us busy most of the day. Then when we have extra time, we can look for projects that are suited to our talents.

For my wife and me, God has lead us into helping the poor, homeless, and otherwise needy. In summer months, we make “goody bags” with water, snacks, some kind of clothing item like socks, a New Testament, and a card we made with the Gospel message. When we can afford it, she likes to put $5 Dollar Tree gift cards in. In the winter months it may contain a scarf or hand warmers. I know that the common thinking is that all homeless are just drug addicted bums, but we have found this to be a great oversimplification. Although this is not uncommon, there is also a large element of mental illness involved. Some are homeless or addicted because they are mentally ill; others are mentally ill or addicted because homelessness has taken a great toll. In any case they are still someone’s son, daughter, and family.

So this Valentine’s Day, by all means let that special person know they are loved. But take some time to look around. Is there someone in need who’s all alone? Be their valentine also. A hot meal, a warm coat, or a gift card with a note of encouragement can go a long way.

Years ago my daughters loved to listen to a group called Avalon. I leave you with one of their songs that has grown on me over time, and often brought me to tears. The chorus says,

For as long as I shall live, I will testify to love

I'll be a witness in the silences when words are not enough

With every breath I take, I will give thanks to God above

For as long as I shall live, I will testify to love

 

Songwriters: Henk Pool / Robert T. Riekerk / Ralph Van Manen / Paul Field

Testify To Love lyrics © Universal/mca Music Holland B.v., Emi Music Publishing (wp) Ltd